7,656 get welfare aid during TBC charity event

KUCHING: A total of RM7.6 million has been allocated by the Sarawak Department of Social Welfare (JKM) for the benefit of 7,656 recipients in conjunction with the Chinese New Year Charity Event (TBC) 2024 in the state.

Deputy Minister for Women, Children, and Community Development, Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam, said 2,736 these recipients are in Kuching, equivalent to 25.74 per cent of the total.

“And 1,764 recipients are in Sibu, followed by 835 in Miri; Sarikei (515); Sri Aman (387); Serian (314); Bintulu (273); Samarahan (212); Limbang (204); Mukah (184); and Kapit (74),” he said.

Mohammad Razi made these remarks during the TBC 2024 Charity Event at the Kuching Division Social Welfare Office, simultaneously providing assistance to 150 recipients at the Majma Shopping Centre here yesterday.

In another development Razi said from January to December 2023, a total of RM254,927,850 was distributed to 56,169 monthly aid recipients throughout Sarawak.

“Among the types of assistance provided are Elderly Assistance (BWE); Child Assistance (BKK); General Assistance (BA), Disabled Workers Allowance (EPOKU); Care for Disabled/Chronically Ill (BPT); Disabled Unable to Work Assistance (BTB); Foster Child Assistance (BAP), and Youth Development Assistance (BBB).

“During the same period, the Kuching Division Social Welfare Office has disbursed RM4,262,300, benefiting 10,631 monthly aid recipients with various government-provided aids,” he explained.

Razi, meanwhile,also highlighted the Economic Development Programme (PE) and the Skills and Career Training Programme (PLKK), targeting household members of aid recipients, specifically their children, for skills training.

He said that training is offered in the oil and gas industry, providing employment opportunities to help families increase their income.

“PE has been one of the programmes introduced since 2014 and has a significant impact on aid recipients in increasing income and escaping from poverty.

“Among the programmes offered is the WELLBEST Entrepreneur Programme. This programme offers launch grants, as received by one of the recipients today, Lim Chin Hua, under the Food Project (Cucumber Pickle).

“Lim will receive equipment worth RM5,000 to start his business. Hopefully, more aid recipients can follow in his footsteps to become self-reliant and exit the JKM monthly aid recipient list,” he said.

Present at the event were JKM Sarawak Director Adana Jed; Sarawak Mufti Director Mual Suaud, and Kuching Resident Norlela Shariff Bushrah.